Define the Etiology for Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a multifaceted disorder with psycologic, physiologic, developmental and cultural components. There may be a genetic predisposition for the disorder. Other predisposing factors include psychologic and personality factors, such as perfectionism, impaired self-concept, affective instability, poor impulse control and an absence of adaptive functioning to maturational tasks and developmental stressors (e.g., puberty, peer and parental relationships, sexuality, marriage and pregnancy). Researchers suggest that abnormalities of central nervous system neurotransmitters may also play a role in bulimia nervosa. Furthermore, several familial factors may increase the risk of developing this disorder. For example, researchers have discovered that first- and second-degree relatives of individuals with bulimia nervosa have an increased incidence of depression and manic-depressive illnesses, eating disorders, and alcohol and substance abuse problems.